Rules of Conduct

The library has issued a list of rules for the comfort and protection of all who use the library and for the protection of library materials.

Anyone who violates these rules after verbal warning by Library personnel or security guards and fails to heed such warning will be asked to leave for the remainder of the business day.

People who refuse to leave the Library will be subject to arrest and prosecution for criminal trespass. Persons engaged in activities in violation of municipal, state, or federal laws will be subject to arrest and prosecution.

Repeated violation of these rules will be cause for more severe penalties, which may include suspension or temporary or permanent revocation of a user’s library card and borrowing privileges: temporary or permanent expulsion from use of the library; or temporary or permanent denial of the privilege of access to the library. The Library Director shall have the authority to determine what, if any, penalty will be imposed in each situation. Any customer receiving a penalty under this policy may appeal the Library Director’s decision to the Library Board of Trustees.

Library customers are not permitted to:

Smoke, spit or use tobacco products.

Use the library without being fully dressed, including wearing a shirt or other garment covering the upper body and shoes or other footwear.

Play audio equipment so that others can hear it. The use of headsets is permitted as long as such use does not disturb other library patrons or library personnel.

Use a cell phone inappropriately by talking loudly, for long periods of time, or disturbing others.

Talk loudly, make noise, use abusive or threatening language, or engage in other disruptive conduct.

Harass library patrons or library employees, through spoken or written words or actions (including extended staring, following, or unwelcome touching.)

Administer corporal punishment or physically abuse or assault any person on library property.

Interfere with another person’s use of the library or with library personnel’s performance of their duties.

Use obscene or racially or ethnically offensive language.

Emit bodily hygiene so offensive as to constitute a nuisance to others or to damage library property.

Loiter or sleep in the library.

Vandalize the library’s rest rooms, use them inappropriately or use them as laundry facilities, bathing facilities or gathering places.

Engage in inappropriate displays of affection, as determined by library personnel.

Damage or steal library materials or property, or remove library materials or property from library premises without proper authorization.

Skateboard, roller blade, bike ride, or engage in similar activities on library property.

Leave infants, young children, or other children who are in need of supervision unattended. (See Unattended Children Policy.)

Bring animals into the library, except those needed to assist a patron with a disability or needed by a trained individual as part of a planned program.

Distribute or post unapproved or inappropriate material or solicit anywhere on the library grounds, including but not limited to materials that are commercial in nature, lewd, vulgar, pornographic, obscene, racist, sexist or otherwise violate State and Federal laws and are not considered protected expression under State and Federal laws.

Run in the library building.

Violate any municipal, state or federal law, including laws on assault, harassment, disorderly conduct and reckless engagement.

Exhibits and Displays

Purpose

The Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library welcomes exhibits and displays that further the educational, informational, cultural and recreational objectives of the Library.

Exhibits and displays that incorporate books and Library materials are especially encouraged. The Library staff may prepare exhibits and displays of materials from the Library’s own collections. The purpose of these displays is to stimulate interest in books and reading and to relate Library collections and services to the community.

The Library recognizes its role in nurturing local talent and culture, and therefore extends its preference in scheduling exhibits and displays of local schools, civic and community groups and artists. The Library also encourages exhibits and displays by collectors, crafts people and hobbyists. Other displays may be devoted to an aspect of community life, science, education, family life, local history, community accomplishments, national anniversaries or events, or traveling exhibits in various fields and areas of interest.

Community and non-profit organizations are welcome to propose exhibits and displays. Exhibits and displays that are of a commercial nature will not be accepted. Library exhibit areas are not intended for commercial or partisan use.

Duration of Exhibits

Exhibit and display areas are available on a rotating monthly basis. Length of time of the exhibit may be adjusted at the Library’s discretion.

Suitability

The Library Director or his or her designee shall determine the suitability of each exhibit and display by considering: the form and content of its objectives in light of the building’s facilities, the suggested audience and the exhibitor’s intention, whether it has serious literacy, artistic, political, scientific, or educational value, as well as the Library’s objectives. The Library reserves the right to refuse to exhibit any work it considers inappropriate, unsuitable, or not in keeping with its objectives. The Library will not accept any exhibits or displays which it determines to be obscene, sexually explicit, pornographic, or potentially harmful to children; or which advocate for a particular candidate, political party or political cause; which encourages racism, sexism, or any form of discriminatory conduct; or which encourages unlawful conduct. The Library is not required to give a reason for this decision. Samples of the work to be displayed should be submitted for consideration and then will be returned to the proposed exhibitor.

Liability

The Library will try to protect exhibits, displays, and their content in the same manner as it protects other displays in the Library, but shall not be responsible for any loss or damage to exhibit or display. Exhibitors shall be advised to carry their own insurance in amount sufficient enough to indemnify them in the event any part of all of an exhibit or display is damaged, destroyed, or lost. Prior to exhibiting, every exhibitor must sign the Library’s Exhibit and Display Agreement, which shall include a release language relieving the Library of responsibility for any loss or damage to any exhibit or display or its contents. Such Agreement also shall include an indemnification provision by which the exhibitor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Library from any damage to his/her/its exhibit or display, and for any damage caused by the exhibitor to the Library or its property, or to the property of an employee or visitor to the Library. Neither the Library not the Township of Parsippany will assume any liability for any loss of damage to any exhibit or display.

Set-Up of Displays

The exhibitor is responsible for the set-up and dismantling of the exhibit or display, and all costs associated with creating or producing the exhibit or display. The Library reserves the right to ask that the exhibitor remove any materials it deems inappropriate, unsuitable or inconsistent with its objectives once the display has been set up. The library need not provide a reason for this request.

Names of exhibitors may be displayed and information on how to contact the exhibitor may be made available to the public. Exhibitors may attach prices to the foreground of any article on display, which the exhibitor wishes to make available for sales. The Library staff is not responsible for the sale of works on display. However, they may refer patrons interested in purchasing work on display to the artist. In order to help offset some of the costs of promoting exhibits and displays and of maintaining exhibit/display areas, any exhibitor who sells any item during the time it is on display or exhibition, is required to make a donation to the Library equal to 10% of the gross proceeds of such sale.

The library cannot accept as gifts any objects if the condition of acceptance requires permanent exhibition of such objects. Fundamentally, the library believes that all exhibits should be changed from time to time to maintain interest.

Permanent Exhibition

The Library cannot accept as gifts an objects if the condition of acceptance requires permanent exhibition of such objects. Fundamentally, the Library believes that all exhibits should be changed from time to time to main the public’s interest.

Community Information and Counter Space

Limited space is available for announcements of cultural events, civic programs, civic and government job openings and similar announcements. Except for the Library itself and its support groups, organizations and individuals are not permitted to place in the library any receptacle which solicits monetary donations or donations of specific items. The Library will not display materials which advocate a political or religious cause. Likewise, it will not display for profit advertisements. However, materials announcing not for profit community events such as craft fairs, festivals, carnivals, book sales and other programs sponsored by local educational, religious or fraternal organizations may be displayed, provided that there is room and such announcements are reasonable in size and format. Such materials will be subject to the same acceptance standards as other exhibits.

The Library subscribes to the Library Bill of Rights: Exhibit Spaces and Bulletin Boards adopted July 2, 1991, and amended June 30, 2004, by the American Library Association Council. It recognizes that libraries are forums for information and ideas, and believes that intellectual freedom is essential in a democratic society. Exhibits will not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation, nor proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval. Subject to the limitations stated in this Policy, the Library will make exhibit space available on an equitable basis, without regard to the beliefs of affiliations of individuals or groups who request to use such space. Exhibition within the library in no way signifies an endorsement by the library of either the items displayed or the group sponsoring the display.

Exhibits and Displays – Procedures

Artists are invited to submit samples, a portfolio, or photographs of their work to be reviewed by the Library Director or his/her designee, who considers the following aspects: professionalism, form and size of the objects in light of the facility, relevance to the Library’s objectives, and exhibit schedule.

Local artists, schools, associations are given preference, although others are considered.

If the exhibit is approved, dates are established with the exhibitor to come and set up, for the start and end of the exhibition, and for the exhibitor to return to dismantle and remove the exhibit.

The exhibitor signs the Exhibits and Displays Agreement prior to setting up any exhibit or display.

The exhibitor is asked to put together information about the exhibit for the library. Two to four weeks in advance of the exhibition, the exhibitor provides the Library with a list of the works to be displayed and information about him/herself and the work for publicity purposes. The Library will arrange for newspaper publicity as well as for publicity within the Library.

For works hung on the walls, the hanging and dismantling is the responsibility of the exhibitor. The exhibitor will indemnify and hold harmless the library from any damage to his/her/its exhibit or display, and for any damage caused by the exhibitor to the Library or its property, or to the property of any employee or visitor to the Library, consistent with the terms of the exhibit and display agreement.

Arrangement of displays in the display case must be done under the supervision of a staff member.

Meeting Room Policy

1. To use the meeting room, a group representative must complete a Meeting Room Application Form. This form may be obtained at the front desk or by visiting our Reserve a Meeting Room page. It is the responsibility of the group to obtain and file the request in a timely fashion (at least two weeks in advance).

2. Children and youth groups may use the meeting room provided there is one adult supervisor for every ten people under the age of 18.

3. Group size:

Main Library – Parsippany - Only two groups may use the community meeting rooms at any given time. Groups of ten or less may also book a small group study room. Use of the tutorial and group study rooms is limited to two hours per group.

Lake Hiawatha Branch - Only one group of no more than 40 people may use the meeting room.

4. For profit organizations and groups will be charged a $50 an hour usage fee, two-hour minimum requirement. Large meeting rooms may be reserved for a maximum of four-hour intervals. All fees must be paid at the time the application is submitted.

5. Parsippany based non-profit groups identified as 501-c3 and municipal committees, service groups, groups affiliated with the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District and library associations will not be charged a usage fee for each meeting room use. Non-profit groups not based in Parsippany will be charged a fee for each meeting room use of $25 an hour.

6. All groups, including non-profits, will be charged a $20 staff fee for use of audio-visual equipment. Equipment is available for use only at the Main Library, 449 Halsey Road.

7. Meetings must be completed fifteen (15) minutes before the library closes to allow time for the building to be secured. If the group needs to meet beyond normal closing hours, the group will be assessed an additional $25 security fee. The Library must be vacated no more that 45 minutes after normal closing times.

8. At the Main Library light refreshments may be served in downstairs meeting rooms and the gallery area ONLY. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

9. A refundable $50 clean-up fee will be assessed to groups at the time of meeting room sign-up. The check is refundable as long as meeting room is left in proper, clean order. For groups who meet multiple times, the check will be refunded at the end of the calendar year. Organizations are responsible for any damage to the room and its content, including the kitchen, as well as clean-up following the end of the meeting. In addition, the library assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen items.

10. The Director is authorized to deny future use of the meeting room to any group that is disorderly, violates regulations, or damages a meeting room. A group must give 48 hours notice when canceling a meeting (the exception is weather cancellation). If a last minute cancellation is caused by weather conditions, the group must notify the library (branch) of the cancellation. Failure to provide ample notification will result in forfeiture of the meeting room fee.

11. Childcare for the children of adults attending meetings in library meeting rooms is the responsibility of those adults.

12. At the time of application, a copy of this policy will be given to the applicant, who must sign an agreement that the organization will abide by the rules and regulations set forth in this policy.

13. The Board of Trustees/Library Director reserves the right to attend or to send an authorized representative to any meeting.

14. The name, address or telephone number of the library may not be used as the official address or contact number for an organization.

15. The library does not advocate or endorse the viewpoints of meetings or meeting room users.

Confidentiality of Library Records

New Jersey law, N.J.S.A. 18A:73-43.2 requires that library records and documents containing the names or other personal information about library users be confidential and not disclosed except in the following three (3) circumstances:

The records are necessary for the proper operation of the library,
The disclosure is requested by the user,
Disclosure is mandated by a subpoena issued by a court or by a court order.

“Library records” include any document or record, however maintained, the primary purpose of which is to provide for control of the circulation or other public use of library materials. (N.J.S.A. 18A:73-4.1(b))

Library employees are responsible for adhering to this policy. Any library employee who discloses confidential information as defined below, other than in accordance with the terms of this policy, will be disciplined, up to and including termination, as outlined in the disciplinary policy.

Procedures – General

No confidentialinformation contained in any library document or recordconcerning an individual user maybe disclosed to either an outsideindividual, business or governmental entity, except as provided below.

Confidential informationincludes, but is not limited to the following:

Name (including both currently registered borrowers and past borrowers)AddressTelephone NumberAny other informationfrom an individual’s registration recordCurrent or previousmaterials borrowedQuestions asked by an individualIndividual’s image or voiceThe frequency, nature or duration of a user’s use of library computers, including Internet access.Resources consultedby an individual, whether print, audio or electronicDatabase or Internet searches conducted for or byan individualThe frequency or nature of a user’s visits to the library or any other information supplied to the library by the user.Any other personally identifying details regarding any user of the library.

Procedures – Requests for Information from Individuals

Only the cardholder has access to confidential information about him or her contained in a library record. When a customer asks for confidential information about another person contained in a library record, the staff will not provide the information and will explain that the records are confidential.

Children under the age of 18 are entitled to confidentiality, however, because a parent’s/guardian’s signature is required on a library card application for a minor child, when a parent/guardian asks for confidential information about his/her minor child contained in a library record, the information will be provided.

When users telephone for information about items being held, titles may begiven only after the caller supplies the library card barcode number, and the employee verifies that the barcode number matches the name given by the caller.

Anyone may pick up reserved items for a user if that personpresents the user’slibrary card. If questions or problems arise because of the nature or content of the reserved material or the person picking up the items, the employee shall place the item(s) back on the reserve shelf for the intended user. Employees shall not cancel reserves unless the user who placed the reserve requests cancellation, or the requesting user does not pick up the item(s) within the time allowed under the library policy on reserved items.

Gifts and Donations

The Parsippany-Troy Hills Library welcomes gifts of money, books, materials, works of art, documents, photographs, property, bequests and securities that promote the mission of the Library. The Board of Trustees, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to refuse any gift deemed not to be in the best interest of the Library.

If the gift is accepted by the Library, the gift shall be final and accepted with no restrictions on the Library’s ownership, position, use or disposition of the gift. Restrictions can be accepted and approved by the express vote of the Library Board through a written resolution.

The Library Board will acknowledge all gifts in a fitting manner and at their discretion.

Guidelines

Monetary Gifts - Monetary donations may be made to the Parsippany Library Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. Donations of $1,000 or more will be recognized on the library’s donor wall.

Donations of $1,000 or more may be designated to pay for furniture items or rooms in the library. The library director keeps a list of these items.

Donations of $250 may be designated for smaller furniture items. A list is available in the library.

Other monetary gifts will be gratefully accepted. The Library Director will try to accommodate the donor’s preferences.

Adopt-A-Book - Donations can be made to honor or memorialize someone through our Adopt-A-Book program with a minimum donation of $25. Library staff will try to accommodate the donor’s subject or preferences. A book plate with the donor’s name will be affixed to the item purchased, if so desired.

Materials - Gifts of miscellaneous books or other materials in good condition are accepted with the understanding that items that are not added to the collections will be disposed of at the discretion of the Library. These items may be given to the Friends of the Library for sale, given to other libraries, or discarded.

Collections - Gift collections will be accepted only by the Director in consultation with the Board of Trustees, and with the understanding that the collection may not be kept in tact.

Real Estate or Other Personal Property - The Library will accept gifts of real property that either support or could be sold to support the mission of the Library. Such offers will be handled by the Director, who in consultation with the Board of Trustees will determine the suitability of the gift and the terms of acceptance compatible with the Library’s mission and policies, the donor’s intent, and applicable laws.

Art and Decorative Objects - In general, gifts of art objects shall be of local interest to community, of a professional quality, well executed and in good condition. As with all other gifts, art objects will be accepted only with the donor’s full agreement that the Library has the right to handle or dispose of the gift in the best interest of the institution. Because of the Library’s limited display and storage areas and focus on its primary mission as a Library and not a museum, potential donors of art and decorative objects are requested to discuss any possible gifts with the Director and Board of Trustees.

No gifts posing a danger or threat to customers will be accepted. No gifts that require extensive, regular special care or conservation will be accepted.

Valuation

The Library will provide a timely, written acknowledgement of the receipt of gifts to the donor and, if desired, to a recognized individual or organization. Income regulations leave the determination of the gift’s monetary value to the donor. Donors wishing to have an appraisal of their gifts done for income tax purposes should do so prior to donation.

Future Disposition of Gifts

Libraries used extensively by their customers sustain losses through theft, mutilation and ordinary wear. Resources with obsolete and/or misleading information may be discarded with time. The library therefore cannot guarantee that a gift will be part of the collection or furnishings permanently. Excess articles may be offered to other Township departments and then given to the Friends or discarded.

Open Public Records Act

All Requests under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) must be made in writing on the form provided by the Library, which includes additional information, procedures and requirements. All requests under OPRA shall be hand-delivered, mailed, transmitted electronically, or otherwise conveyed to the Custodian of the Records. A fee will be assessed for the duplication of a record pursuant to the fee prescribed by law or regulation, or if not prescribed by law or regulation, the actual cost of duplicating the record as well as other costs as permitted by the OPRA.

All records are readily accessible for inspection, copying or examination, except for certain exceptions outlined in the law.

Library records, as they relate to library users, are confidential under the law and will require a subpoena issued by a court to be released.

OPRA defines a “government record” under N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1 as:

“any paper, written or printed book, document, drawing, map, plan, photograph, microfilm, data processed or image processed document, information stored or maintained electronically or by sound-recording or in a similar device, or any copy thereof, that has been made, maintained or kept on file in the course of his or its official business by any officer, commission, agency or authority of the State or of any political subdivision thereof, including subordinate boards thereof, or that has been received in the course of his or its official business by any such officer, commission, agency or authority of the State or of any political subdivision thereof, including subordinate boards thereof. The term shall not include inter-agency or intra-agency advisory, consultative, or deliberative material.”

E-mail communication is treated in the same way as all other communication and subject to the same rules.

Confidential documents that are excluded from public disclosure under the Act include, but may not be limited to, the following:

Employment Related Records

Personnel records, except for the individual’s name, title, position, salary, payroll record, length of service, date of separation and the reason for it, and the amount and type of any pension received.

Information generated by or on behalf of a public employer or employees in connection with any sexual harassment complaint, or regarding any grievance filed by or against an individual, or in connection with collective negotiations, including documents and statements of strategy or negotiating position.

Privacy Information

That portion of any document which includes any person’s social security number, credit card number, unlisted telephone number or driver license number, except when necessary for use by any court or law enforcement agency or the DMV

Trade secrets and proprietary commercial or financial information obtained from any source (including data processing software obtained under a licensing agreement that prohibits its disclosure).

Information that is to be kept confidential pursuant to court order.

Privileged Communications

Any record within the attorney-client privilege (but not including attorney or consultant bills or invoices, although such invoices may be redacted to remove any information protected by the attorney-client privilege).

Communications between a public agency and its insurance carrier, administrative service organization or risk management office.

Security Information

Emergency or security information or procedures for any building or facility, security measures and surveillance techniques, any of which, if disclosed, would jeopardize security of the building or facility, or of persons, property, electronic data or software.

Information which, if disclosed, would give an advantage to competitors or bidders.

Other

Matters in which there is a right to privacy or confidentiality or inter-agency or intra-agency advisory, consultative, or deliberative material which is specifically exempt from law.

Unattended Children in the Library

The Free Public Library of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township is concerned for the safety and well-being of children left unat­tended in the library. We urge parents to remember that the library is a public building, and it is not in the child’s best interest to be left unattended. The library has implemented the following policy for the safety of all children visiting the library.

Children under the age of 9 years must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver* at all times while in the library, but parents/guardians are responsible for behavior of their children and will be contacted if necessary.

Children 9-12 years of age may be left alone in the library for reason­able periods of time without a responsible caregiver*, but parents/guardians are responsible for the behavior of their children and will be contacted if necessary. (Reasonable peri­ods of time may vary with child’s maturity, but generally 1-2 hours is acceptable.) Nevertheless, parents/guardians and children are encourage to ensure that any child under 13 years of age, who comes to the library, is accompanied by another person at least 13 years of age or older.

Children 13-17 years of age may be in the library alone. If the child becomes disruptive, the library staff will contact the child’s parent/guardian.

The library may suspend, limit, or revoke the borrowing privileges of any library patron, who is disruptive or violates library policy, including juvenile** customers.

Parents/guardians are required to be at the library no later than fifteen (15) minutes before closing to pick up their children.

Parents/guardians, not library staff, are responsible for the behavior of their children in using the library and library materials and facilities.

If a child is left unattended and is or appears anxious, upset, frightened or crying, is disruptive, or does not have a ride home when the library is closing, and a staff member determines it is necessary to contact the child’s parent/guardian, the parent/guardian will be give up to thirty (30) minutes (fifteen [15] minutes near or after closing time) to respond after the staff member calls the parent/guardian or leaves a message. If the parent/guardian does not call, respond, or pick up the child within thirty (30) (or fifteen [15], as applicable) minutes, then the Director, Branch Head, or librarian in charge will notify the local police for assistance.

Staff members are not permitted to transport or take an unattended child away from the Library building.

*”Responsible caregiver” means an individual 13 years of age or older.

**”Juvenile” means an individual who is younger than 18 years of age.

UNATTENDED CHILDREN IN THE LIBRARY – PROCEDURES

During Library HoursStaff members generally will not ask for the name or age of any library patron, including juveniles, except in the ordinary course of performing library business or if the child is or appears to be anxious, frightened, or crying.

A staff member encountering or observing an unattended child of any age who is or appears to be anxious, upset, frightened, or crying should provide reassurance and gently ask the child for his/her name, age, and about the cause of the child’s concern. If the child is separated from his/her parent/guardian or caregiver, the child should remain with the staff member until the child is reunited with the parent/guardian or caregiver. If the child is 13 years of age or older and state that he/she does not need hep, then the child may be left alone.

The staff should ask the child whether he/she is alone in the library and the name, relationship to the child, and location of any individual (parent/guardian or responsible caregiver) who is in the library with the child.

If the parent/guardian/caregiver is in the library building, a staff member should try to locate him/her by walking through the library with the child. Upon locating the parent/guardian/caregiver and confirming the individual’s identity as such, the staff member should reunite the child with the parent/guardian or responsible caregiver and explain the library’s policy on attended children.

If the child is alone in the library building, with the child’s assistance, the staff member should obtain the parent/guardian’s name and telephone number (or use other library resources such as the telephone, database, or Internet). The staff member should call the parent/guardian and inform him/her that the child is in the library, explain the child’s concerns and the library’s policy on unattended children, request that the parent/guardian pick up the child within thirty (30) minutes or less, and explain that if no one comes to pick up the child within thirty (30) minutes, that the library policy requires that the staff member contact the local police for assistance.

If the staff member is unable to speak personally with the parent/guardian by telephone (and only can leave a message), and the child knows a parent/guardian’s e-mail address, the staff member also may send an e-mail message to the parent/guardian. In any telephone conversation or voice mail/e-mail message to a parent/guardian, the staff member should state that the child is in the library, explain the child’s concerns and the library’s policy on unattended children, inform the parent/guardian of the time of the message and explain that if the staff member or library does not receive a response within thirty (30) minutes, then the library policy states that the staff member should contact the local police and ask them to assume responsibility for the child. After leaving a message, the staff member should notify all other staff members, in order to ensure the responsible staff member is notified if the child’s parent/guardian returns the call.

If the parent/guardian provides an explanation as to why neither he/she cannot pick up the child personally, but will send another adult, obtain the name of the designated adult from the parent, and an approximate time when he/she will pick up the child. Advise the parent/guardian that if he/she or the designated adult does not arrive within the stated time period, that the library may need to contact the local police to assume responsibility for the child. Give the parent/guardian the option to speak to the child.

If the parent/guardian cannot be reached by telephone or if the parent/guardian does not respond to a voice message (or e-mail) within thirty (30) minutes, staff should call the local police and ask them to assume responsibility for the child.

In the interim while awaiting a response from the parent/guardian, the unattended child should be given the option of sitting in the children’s section of the library or remaining with the staff member while he/she continues his/her work. The children’s librarian(s) on duty should be notified if any unattended child is waiting in the area for a call from or pick up by a parent/guardian.

Whenever waiting with an unattended child, a staff member should not offer any food to the child, other than water, to avoid issues with food allergies and other dietary restrictions, however, a child may be permitted to have his/her own food or drink, provided such consumption occurs in an area permitted by library policy.

All library staff should confirm the identity of any individual and the child before releasing an unattended child into that individual’s care, and should make a written record including the date, time, and identify of the child and individual who picked up the child, and submit the record to the Library Director, Branch Head, or librarian in charge. Library staff should submit a written record to the Library Director, Branch Head, or librarian in charge whenever a staff member needs to contact a parent guardian to pick up an unattended child.

At Closing Time/After Library Hours
If a juvenile is alone in the library at closing time, the library staff member will ask the juvenile if he/she has a way to get home. IF the staff member determines the child needs assistance, he/she will ask the child for his/her name and, with the child’s assistance, obtain his/her parent/guardian’s name and telephone number and immediately attempt to call or otherwise contact the child’s parent/guardian. If the child cannot provide the information, us other library resources (telephone, database, or Internet).

In any telephone conversation or voicemail/e-mail message for a parent/guardian, the staff member should inform the parent/guardian that the child is in the library, state the time of the message and closing time for the library, and state that if the parent/guardian does not pick up the child, or the library does not receive a response, within fifteen (15) minutes, then library policy states that the library will contact the local police and ask them to assume responsibility for the child.

If the staff member is unable to speak personally to a parent/guardian within fifteen (15) minutes of leaving a message, or the parent/guardian does not arrive at the library to pick up the child, then one of the staff members staying with the child that evening will call the local police and ask them to assume responsibility for the child.

Whenever possible, two staff members will remain with the child until the parent/guardian (or designee identified by the parent/guardian), police, or DYFS arrives. Under no circumstances will a Library staff member transport or take a child away from the Library building.

Once the parent/guardian/designated adult arrives, a staff member will explain the Library’s Policy on Unattended Children and give the parent/guardian/designated adult a written copy of the Policy. If a designated adult other than a parent/guardian comes to pick up the child, then an additional written copy of the Policy will be provided to the designated adult to give to the parent/guardian.

All Library staff should confirm the identity of any individual and the child before releasing an unattended child into that individual’s care,and should make a written record including the date, time, and identity of the child and individual who picked up the child, and submit the record to the Library Director, Branch Head, or librarian in charge. Library staff should submit an incident report to the Library Director, Branch Head, or librarian in charge whenever a staff member needs to contact a parent/guardian to pick up an unattended child.

Repeated violations or abuse of this policy by parents/guardians will be referred to the local police and/or DYFS, and Library privileges may be suspended or lost.

Definitions

A “responsible caregiver” means an individual 13 years of age or older.

A “juvenile” means an individual who is younger than 18 years of age.

Delinquent Borrowers

A patron is considered delinquent if he/she owes $5.00 or more in fines. This delinquency is verified through our on-line computer circulation system.

To secure borrowing privileges, the patron is asked to pay the fine or get the total fine below $5.00. Payments are monitored via our automated circulation system.

If the patron has returned overdue materials, does not have any lost materials or other materials checked out, and does not have money to pay the fine, a schedule for paying back the fine is worked out, and the patron may borrow up to three items.

Use of Library Piano

The Parsippany Library Board is happy to make the piano available for use by Parsippany based piano instructors and others.

Fees must be paid by personal check to the Parsippany Library at the time of application. This fee includes set-up, tuning and moving of the piano.

Rental charges:

Instructors Living Outside of Parsippany/Out-of-Town Residents
Rehearsal – $35.00 an hour
Concert/Recital – $300.00 up to four hours

Recitals and rehearsals must be held during regular library operating hours.

To schedule any recitals or rehearsals, the attached meeting room form must be completed.

Internet Acceptable Use Policy

The Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library is committed to its role in serving the information and lifelong learning needs of all of its citizens. Providing access to the Internet can enable the library to expand greatly its information services beyond the traditional collections and resources.

The Internet offers unlimited global access to information, however, before using the Internet customers should be aware that not all sources on the Internet provide information that is accurate, complete, current, legal, or philosophically acceptable to all citizens and some Internet sites contain material that some may find to be controversial or offensive. The Library has no control over the information available on the Internet and, therefore, cannot be held responsible for its content, accuracy or currency. The Library also does not monitor customers’ use of the Internet, and does not install filters, which limit access to certain sites or materials, on its Internet computers made available to the public.

By using a Library computer, customers agree to hold the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library (including its Board of Trustees, employees and agents), harmless and to indemnify it against any and all claims or liabilities, directly or indirectly, relating to the customer’s or another person’s use of the Library’s Internet computers.

Child Safety on the Internet

Parents and guardians of children under the age of 18 are responsible for their children’s use of the Internet. Parents are encouraged to discuss with their children the use of the Internet in relation to their own family values and as to boundaries and to monitor their children’s use of the Internet.

To assist parents, the Library has available on line and in print form, a pamphlet entitled Child Safety on the Internet, published by the National Center for Missing and Exploited children. The pamphlet includes Guidelines for Safety and My Rules for Online Safety. Parents are encouraged to review this information with their children.

Restrictions

Users are encouraged to take advantage of the Internet and to exercise good judgment and discretion in their use of it. The Library firmly believes that the valuable information available on the Internet far outweighs the possibility that users may come across material that is inconsistent with the goals of the Library. Nevertheless, the Library reserves the right to prohibit the accessing and/or viewing of material that is in violation of this Policy.

Use of the Library’s Internet computers is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate usage may result in a suspension or cancellation of this privilege. Examples of inappropriate use include, but are not limited to, the following:

Storing data to anything other than a personal, portable information storage device;

Violating software license agreements or copyright laws;

Viewing sites or pages which display child pornography or other unlawful content;

Violating another user’s privacy;

Engaging in conduct that is disruptive to the Library.

Individuals performing unlawful acts involving Library computing resources also may be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal law enforcement authorities.

The Library is not responsible for damage to a customer’s portable information storage device or computer, or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from the customer’s use of the Library’s computers.

Computer Use

No more than two people may use a computer workstation at one time. The Library will establish time limits, which will vary based on demand.

Customers should notify the Library of any viruses they find. The Library is not responsible for the unavailability of resources on the Internet computers due to technical difficulties or any other reason.

Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in termination of an Internet session at any time, and also may result in suspension or cancellation of computer use privileges.

Staff Assistance

Staff will try to answer specific questions about the Internet and offer suggestions for effective searching.Staff also canprovide information about Internet training opportunities and Internet books and manuals.
The Library staff and Board of Trustees support the principles and user rights delineated in the American Library Association’s “Library Bill of Rights in Cyberspace.”

Code of Ethics

The Board of Trustees of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Library adopts the Ethics Statement for Public Library Trustees, adopted by the Board of Directors of the American Library Trustee Association, 1985 and amended 1989.

ETHICS STATEMENT FOR PUBLIC LIBRARY TRUSTEES

Trustees in the capacity of trust upon them, shall observe ethical standards with absolute truth, integrity and honor.

Trustees must avoid situations in which personal interests might be served or financial benefits gained at the expense of library users, colleagues, or the situation.

It is incumbent upon any trustee to disqualify himself/herself immediately whenever the appearance of a conflict of interest exits.

Trustees must distinguish clearly in their actions and statements between their personal philosophies and attitudes and those of the institution, acknowledging the formal position of the board even if they personally disagree.

A trustee must respect the confidential nature of library business while being aware of and in compliance with applicable laws governing freedom of information.

Trustees must be prepared to support to the fullest the efforts of librarians in resisting censorship of library materials by groups or individuals.

Trustees who accept library board responsibilities are expected to perform all of the functions of library trustees.

Solicitation in the Library

Collection Boxes

Organizations not associated with the Library cannot solicit funds on Library property.

Collection boxes or bins which directly benefit the Library such as those for annual book collection by the Friends of the Library, or boxes for the Library’s annual Food for Fines campaign, or similar library related campaigns may be housed at the Library.

Petitions

The Parsippany-Troy Hills Library will not house or display petitions requiring signatures of the public. Staff members cannot circulate or sign petitions on work time, which shall not include breaks and other non-working time, whether on or off Library premises.

Campaign Literature

The library will not display campaign literature for any candidate for public office, except if part of an approved exhibit, which offers serious literacy, artistic, political, scientific or educational value, and is consistent with the Library’s objectives.

Prevention of Unsafe/Disruptive Behavior

The library has issued a list of rules for the comfort and protection of all who use the library and for the protection of library materials.

The rules are posted near the main entrance at all three branch facilities.

Anyone who violates these rules after verbal warning by library personnel or security guards and fails to heed such warning will be asked to leave for the remainder of the business day.

People who refuse to leave the library will be subject to arrest and prosecution for criminal trespass. Persons engaged in activities in violation of municipal, state or federal laws will be subject to arrest and prosecution.

Repeated violation of these rules will be cause for more severe penalties, which may include suspension or temporary or permanent revocation of a user’s library card and borrowing privileges; temporary or permanent expulsion from use of the library; or temporary or permanent denial of the privilege of access to the library. The Library Director shall have the authority to determine what, if any, penalty will be imposed in each situation. Any customer receiving a penalty under this policy may appeal the Library Director’s decision to the Library Board of Trustees.

Library Rules

Library customers are not permitted to:

Smoke, spit or use tobacco products inside library premises.

Use the library without being fully dressed, including wearing a shirt or other garment covering the upper body and shoes or other footwear.

Play audio equipment so that others can hear it. The use of headsets is permitted.

Use a cell phone inappropriately by talking loudly, for long periods of time or disturbing others.

Talk loudly, make noise, use abusive or threatening language, or engage in other disruptive conduct.

Harass library patrons or library employees, through spoken or written words or actions (including extended staring, following or unwelcome touching).

Administer corporal punishment or physically abuse or assault any person on library property.

Interfere with another person’s use of the library or with library personnel’s performance of their duties.

Use obscene or racially or ethnically offensive language.

Emit bodily hygiene so offensive as to constitute a nuisance to others or to damage library property.

Loiter or sleep in the library.

Vandalize the library’s rest rooms, use them inappropriately or use them as laundry facilities, bathing facilities or gathering places.

Engage in inappropriate displays of affection, as determined by library personnel.

Damage or steal library materials or property, or remove library materials or property from library premises without proper authorization.

Skateboard, roller blade, bike ride or engage in similar activities on library property.

Leave infants, young children or other children who are in need of supervision unattended. (See Unattended Children policy.)

Bring animals into the library, except those needed to assist a patron with a disability or needed by a trained individual as part of a planned program.

Distribute or post unapproved or inappropriate material or solicit anywhere on the library grounds, including but not limited to materials that are commercial or political in nature, lewd, vulgar, pornographic, obscene, racist, sexist or otherwise violate State or Federal laws and are not considered protected expression under State and Federal laws.

Run in the library building.

Violate any municipal, state or federal law, including laws on assault, harassment, disorderly conduct and reckless endangerment.

Policy Against the Theft of Library Materials

The Parsippany Library abides by the New Jersey state law and follows its statutes as stated below:

CHAPTER 20. THEFT AND RELATED OFFENSES

2C: 20-12. Library Materials and Library Facility Defined

The following definitions apply to sections 2 through 4 of this act (1) as they relate to the theft of library materials:

a. “Library material” means any material regardless of physical form or characteristics, or any part thereof, belonging to, on loan to, or otherwise in the custody of a library facility;

b. “Library facility” means any public library, any library of an educational, historical or charitable institution, organization or society, or any museum.

Any person who purposely conceals, on or off the premises of the library facility, upon his person or among his belongings or among the belongings of another, any library material shall be prima facie presumed to have concealed the material for the purpose of depriving the library facility of its use or benefit.
L. 1985, c. 373, S2.

2C.20-14 Detention on Probable Cause

Taking person into custody for probable cause for belief of willfully concealing library material; arrest without warrant; probable cause for belief of theft; immunity from liability.

a. A law enforcement officer, a special officer, or an employee of a library facility who has probable cause for believing that a person has willfully concealed library material and that he can recover the material by taking the person into custody, may, for the purpose of attempting to recover the material, take the person into custody and detain him in a reasonable manner for reasonable time. Taking the person into custody shall not render the law enforcement officer, the special officer, or the employee of a library facility civilly or criminally liable.

b. Any law enforcement officer who has probable cause for believing that a person has committed the offense of theft of library material may arrest the person without warrant.

c. An employee of a library facility who causes the arrest of a person for theft of library material, as provided for in this act, shall not be civilly or criminally liable where the employee has probable cause for believing that the person arrested committed the offense of theft of library material.

Prior to belonging to a civil action against any person committing an offense that would constitute theft of library material, the library facility shall notify the person in writing that if he has not reimbursed the library for fair market value of the library material plus any costs including attorney’s fees, and damages within 15 days of the notice, that a civil action may be brought. Thereafter, if a civil action is brought by the library facility, the library may recover the value of the library material, costs and damages including attorney’s fees.